The 7th edition Edition of the Brussels Show Collect-Hit by Jacky Broutin

TOP ROW, left to right: Ar;mand Hui Bon Hoa and Dirk; Armand and Steve show off the book, “Japanese Toys From the late 50’s and 60’s”.It will be available for downloading FREE, in PDF format, at www.pitcheetoy.com. Gernot, another robot collector. ABOVE, left to right: wow! Some other top great toys; The robot table was crowded as the robot collectors held their meeting inside the show.

Thierry Le Clercq, the organizer of the magnificient Brussels Show, was very pleased with the turnout at the 7th edition. Brussels geographical location in the middle of Europe is one of the best, and is easily accessible by car, train, or plane.The show has been held at the Brussels Kart Expo a few miles away from the centre of this great city, from the very beginning. The huge 5.200 square meter building easily held the 625 tables used to display 240 exhibitors’ wares.

Carnival figures and old paintings with kids and toys were scarce but so interesting.

Exhibitors came from all over the world to attend, representing twelve countries (55% of the exhibitors reside outside of Belgium). This is certainly becoming the biggest toy show in Europe, with four collecting themes represented: 60% antique toys, 20 % comcs and figures, 10% advertising signs, slot machines, etc., and a full corner of wares devoted to Barbie was heaven for collectors.

Hundreds of great robot collectors came to shop and chat with other like-minded souls and o meet the youngest generation in this field, something that you can’t do on the Internet! Everyone had at least a duplicate to trade, so the exchange worked extremely well; Dirk Gadomski and Steve Jaspen made the trip, and the sweetest lady, Mrs. Kumagai, came all the way from Osaka, Japan to display her husband Nobuo’s replica collection and some other old goodies.

Arman Hui Boa, the famous French robot collector, was a guest star, signing books and taking photos with young robot collectors who were proud to pose with him.He took the time to tell all his fellow collectors that the book “Japanes Toys from the Late 50’s and 60’s” will be available for free downloading in PDF format on the website www.pitcheetoy.com. Please make note of it!
As you can see by the nice photograps taken at the show, there was something for everyone, from the very old to the most contemporary productions. I’m sure everyone found at least a little something during their few hours trip around the show.

TOP ROW, left to right: Early advertising signs; Plastic robots are good for beginners, nice, shiny, and colorful. ABOVE, left to right: Alain Van Neyghen, Belgian specialist in comics – Tintin mostly, but others too; view of the Hall.